Home and building automation system

ABSTRACT

Process and system for programmed control of a home and building automation system, for saving energy and improving comfort, with the process being performed by means of software and presence and activity monitoring sensors. The software includes first adaptive algorithms controlled by signals from the presence and activity monitoring sensors, for continuously detecting and storing systematic and stochastic behavior of at least one person in a room and over several rooms, and including second modifiable deterministic algorithms for adapting and triggering actuators of installations or groups of installations. The algorithms are combined with external parameters into a third algorithm to optimize the automation system as a whole and to adjust the first and second algorithms by means of feedback.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a process for optimised control of a home andbuilding automation system by way of software and sensors for monitoringpersons, where the automation system, for energy saving and comfortimprovement purposes, triggers actuators for installations or groups ofinstallations as required. The invention also concerns an automationsystem for performance of the process and its application.

Home and building automation systems have already been proposed andimplemented in many forms with a view to improving comfort. Governmentobjectives and increasing environmental awareness contribute to thegenerally growing need to reduce energy consumption in order to protectglobal resources.

As early as the beginning of the 80's, the cooling and heating power ofan air-conditioning system could be influenced in individual rooms interms of comfort and energy in that an energy control system triggeredby presence sensors was used, for example that described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,407,447. When the presence of a person in a room is according tothis patent specification the temperature is adjusted from anuncontrolled room temperature to a prespecified nominal temperature bythe supply of corresponding warm or cold air. When this person leavesthe room, the air supply is cut off again and hence the energyconsumption as a whole reduced. This system thus responds directly todirect requirements caused by the presence of at least one person, buthas the disadvantage that in regard to the comfort system it has aninherent inertia. For example the thermal inertia of a room to be heatedor cooled cannot be taken into account sufficiently or at all.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,557 describes a further developed buildingautomation system referred to as intelligent. This has a centrallyorganised system with a multiplicity of input side sensors which sendtheir information or control commands to a central processor, andactuators on the output side which receive control commands from theprocessor. The decisive factor in this system is firstly thecentralistic approach, where all information must reach the centralprocessor, and secondly the deterministic approach where all possiblecases and combinations are programmed and stored as “behaviour patterns”for subsequent retrieval.

During the following years, systems have been developed and marketedknown as “total home systems”. These comprise lighting and objectcontrol via the installed power network, which can use the existinginfrastructure without significant structural changes. The systemconsists of a central unit and various receiver units such as switches,dimmers and shutter control. As stated, the existing 230 V network linewith sockets is used as the signal line. Thus complex control sequencesfor different procedural requirements can be stored and repeated withina building.

A deterministic approach is common to all known systems, in whichpreprogrammed sequences are triggered under time-control, at the requestof sensors or by human intervention. Thus these systems, also known asmode programmes, can be used optimally only for specified situations andwith time restrictions.

A change in user requirements requires reprogramming of the system,which is beyond the capacity of, or frightens a user, normally a layman.One example here is the change of use of a child's bedroom into astorage room, which in principle creates different conditions. Thus theknown systems can only respond with difficulty, or unsatisfactorily, ornot at all to spontaneous changes of environment and/or user behaviour.Thus for example a home automation system for households withprofessional family members is programmed to lower the temperatureduring the day. If one family member remains at home because of illness,the system responds incorrectly. Manual intervention is required.Resetting to normal mode is then often forgotten.

CH, A 683473 discloses a process for electronically delayeddisconnection of the light with a passive infrared sensor as a movementsensor. Thus a specified output value or a stored learned value for timedelay can be entered. This value is adapted automatically andcontinuously to the intensity of movement in the scope of the passiveinfrared sensor, and on any change of movement intensity a new timedelay is continuously set. One specific problem, the optimum delay indisconnection of the lighting, is therefore no longer establishedexclusively deterministically, an intelligent disconnection delay forthe light is matched to the user behaviour.

EP, A 0631219 describes a process for temperature control and adjustmentin individual living and working rooms which are used only rarely butwith a certain regularity. Constant living habits are taken intoaccount, which should bring optimum comfort with maximum energy saving.A set value is modified to the regularities to be set in the room usedas a function of presence times detected by the presence sensor for thefollowing days according to a fuzzy algorithm. The at least partlystochastic behaviour of residents cannot be detected by the process.

The largely similar automatic temperature control and regulation systemdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,645 is related to individual rooms andhas no overall strategy. The algorithms do not contain any separation ofdeterministic and stochastic behaviour. Disruption factors areintegrated by the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the task of creating a process and adevice of the type described initially which reduces to a minimum theprocess-controlled intelligence, the deterministic components of thehome and building automation system, adapts automatically to the atleast partly stochastic behaviour of persons in the building and henceallows both energy savings and comfort improvement.

In relation to the process, the task is solved according to theinvention in that adaptive self-learning algorithms of the software,controlled by signals from presence and activity monitoring sensors,continuously store the systematic and stochastic behaviour of at leastone person in the room concerned and over several rooms, adapt andtrigger actuators in conjunction with modifiable deterministicalgorithms, where the room-related optimisation algorithms are combinedwith external parameters into an algorithm to optimise the automationsystem as a whole and the individual room algorithms are adaptedaccordingly as feedback. Further and special design forms of the processare the subject of dependent claims.

The presence and activity monitoring with presence andactivity-controlled control loops, the neuronal networks with their owncomputers which detect and evaluate the regular (systematic) and random(stochastic) behaviour, are of greatest importance.

The sensors arranged on the input side of the software, which is usuallystandard software or software adaptable with specialist knowledge whichis stored in a CPU or processor, are for example movement sensors of alltypes. The most common are passive infrared sensors such as describedfor example in CH,A 683473 or the company brochure by High TechnologySystems AG, CH-8306 Bruttisellen dated Dec. 3, rd 1994 (second issueJanuary 1996). Further passive systems for example detect the noise orpressure waves generated by persons. Movement sensors can also beconstructed on active principles, e.g. by emitting an ultrasound ormicrowave field or by the reception of a field influenced by a movingperson. Changes in a static electrical or electromagnetic field can alsobe detected and the signals passed on for analysis by the software.

External parameters or information sources included in the room-relatedoptimisation algorithms are for example the weather, the externaltemperature, safety modes or weather forecasts.

Sensors are not however restricted to movement sensors. For examplesmoke sensors, thermostats, light detectors and other sensors aresuitable as input signal generators, to contribute to solution of thetask according to the invention and/or to supplement this.

The electrical signals output by the computer, CPU or processor with thesoftware, trigger allocated installations or installation groups viaactuators. This is done directly or via intermediate components, forexample a summing point and a PID regulator for a presence andactivity-controlled control loop. The actuators can be single ormulti-stage relays or other electromechanical devices known to theexpert with normally open, normally closed or switching contacts.Installations or installation groups are for example lighting bodies,heating, valves for the flow of heating and cooling media, motors forvenetian blinds and alarm systems.

According to the invention, the monitoring applies not only to thepresence but also the activity of at least one person present in thedetection area of a room monitoring system. The activity is stored andused by the software to trigger actuators.

Thus the initial models of user behaviour of at least one person whichare stored on installation of the automatic system are adaptedpermanently to the changing user behaviour and the collected experienceused as a prediction basis for the most probable following actions. Bymeans of learning and probability/predictive algorithms, stochasticallychanging behavioural patterns can be recorded. This is carried outpreferably, but not exclusively, in a CPU or a central processor butincludes neuronal networks. These are network computers connected in themanner of nerve cells with radiating fibres which are controlled by acentral software but which work largely autonomously. To inputalgorithms and trigger alarms, fuzzy logic known to the expert asnon-sharp logic is used. Originally fuzzy logic was used to describeincomplete and/or inexact data records and process these mechanically.Today fuzzy logic is widely used in control and regulation technology,in particular when good results cannot be achieved with conventionalregulators.

Using the neuronal network and fuzzy logic, adaptive self-learningalgorithms of the software can detect as systematic a non-stochasticbehaviour of at least one person and adapt the stored modelcontinuously. The evaluation of such a systematic user behaviour is usedby the software as a prediction basis for the most probable followingactions, and is stored and used to trigger actuators. Deviations fromcertain systematic user behaviour can also trigger an alarm. This is notdone immediately but suitably after a time delay, for example after 5 to15 minutes.

The adaptive self-learning algorithms of the software can also receiveexternal control signals. This is done for example via a connectingnetwork of databases, in particular via the internet. These controlsignals are used to trigger actuators, also in combination with internalcontrol signals.

In a further variant of the invention, the sensitivity is automaticallyadapted to the user. Here the sensitivity of an automation system onmovement is increased by reducing the response threshold if at least oneperson is present in and/or enters the room. The heat difference thenactivates a second more sensitive stage and the sensor detects thefinest body movements in the range from 10 to 20 cm. On each movementdetected, the switch time predetermined or calculated from thestochastic behaviour of the person or persons is renewed with increasedsensitivity. For details see CH,A 684449 and publication Infel-InfoJanuary 1996 pages 1 to 4.

If during an adjustable time period the total absence of persons and/orno activity is detected, the building automatic system automaticallyswitches to alarm mode.

With reference to the automation system for performance of the process,the task according to the invention is solved in that for monitoring thepresence and activity of persons at least one sensor is used per room,these sensors are networked with presence and activity-controlledcontrol loops, and these networks contain computers withsoftware-modifiable, deterministic and adaptive self-learningalgorithms. Further and special design forms of the automation systemare the subject of dependent claims.

The networks with the computers are preferably structured neuronally.

The networked sensors, essentially movement sensors of all types, dependon the geometry, structure and furnishings of the room to be monitored.A presence sensor ECO-IR 360 by High Technology Systems AG, CH-8306Bruttisellen, for ceiling mounting allows full 360° cover. Evidentlycertain rooms or parts of rooms can also be screened from the monitoringif required. Also other sensors can be connected which serve merely totrigger alarms, for example a smoke alarm or thermostat.

The sensors can be networked via the electrical installation network. Inparticular in new buildings, the networking comprises at least onestandard data bus, suitably an LON (Local Operating Network) or EIB(European Installation Bus) or PLC (Power Line Communication).

The applications of the process according to the invention arepractically unlimited, in particular for the control of lighting,heating, air conditioning, ventilation, darkening, hot waterpreparation, control of electrical equipment such as washing machinesand/or alarms etc.

The advantages of the process according to the invention and the deviceoperated with this can be summarised as follows:

The multiplicity of possible combinations of cases need not bepreprogrammed, simple rules can be applied such as for example “theheating is not switched off in the morning until everyone has been tothe bathroom”.

A user behaviour recognised as systematic is used as a prediction basisfor the most probable stochastic following actions and correspondingactuators are triggered. The user behaviour is continuously modifiedautomatically.

A deviation from certain systematic user behaviour can be used totrigger an alarm after a time delay.

The home and building automation system allows considerable energysaving, improves comfort and increases the safety of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The state of the art and the invention are explained in more detailusing the design examples shown in the drawing. These show:

FIG. 1 a known heating control system with conventional control loop and

FIG. 2 a home and building automation system according to the inventionwith a presence and activity-controlled control loop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A known heating control 10 according to FIG. 1 is adapted to the comfortof a user 12 who selects the room temperature pleasant for him via amanually adjustable thermostat 14. This gives an electrical signal, thenominal value marked “+”, to a summing point 16. A conventional controlloop 18 leads via a PID regulator 20 to a temperature sensor 22 for theprovisional temperature of a heating system 24 and from there back tothe summing point 16 where the actual value marked “−” is entered todetermine the nominal-actual difference.

Between the temperature sensor 22 and the heating system 24 is shown awater pipe 26 for the supply of the heating medium. A dotted arrow 28indicates the subjective temperature perception of the user 12. If hefinds this temperature too high or too low, he adjusts the thermostat 14manually which gives a new nominal value for the summing point 16.

FIG. 2 shows a home and building automation system 30 with a presenceand activity-controlled control loop 32.

A processor 34 with software comprises the adaptive home automation andmodifiable behaviour pattern database 36. An arrow 38 indicates aconnection to the internet.

The presence and activities of the user 12 are monitored by a movementsensor 40, in the present case a PIR regulator of the known type. Theelectrical signals generated by the movement sensor are supplied to adatabus 42 which opens into a further databus 44 also indicated by adouble arrow. This connects the processor 34 to a bus interface 46.

The bus interface 46 forms a functional unit with the presence andactivity-controlled control loop 32 as indicated by a dotted rectangle48. Electrical lines 47 branching out of the bus interface 46 open intoadaptively adjustable P (proportional), I (integral) and D(differential) PID regulator 50 via which runs the presence andactivity-controlled control loop 32.

The bus interface 46 also outputs electrical impulses marked “+”, thenominal values, to the summing point 16. The electrical pulses marked“−” for the actual value are supplied via the control circuit 32 to formthe nominal-actual control difference. P, I and D are adjustedadaptively as stated.

Depending on the continuously modified behaviour pattern of the user 12,the database 36 of processor 34 and/or the latter itself or thealgorithms concerned via database 34, bus interface 46 and controlcircuit 36 trigger an actuator 52 which opens the water line 26 of theheating system 24. For the sake of simplicity not all of this chain islisted elsewhere, but reference is made merely to the triggering ofactuator 52.

On entering the room, the user finds the room heated to the temperaturehe requires at the time controlled according to behaviour with minimumenergy consumption.

EXAMPLE 1

On conversion from summertime to wintertime and vice versa, the normaldaily rhythm of persons living in a household shifts by one hour. Thehome automation system records the modified behaviour and shifts theprovision of hot water in the morning hours accordingly by this hourwithout any intervention of the user being necessary. The change isprepared in that a signal is received and analysed which announcessummertime or wintertime.

EXAMPLE 2

A single person leaves the bedroom at night for a short time for exampleto visit the WC, but always returns at the latest 10 minutes later. Ifthis person leaves the bedroom, but has an accident or losesconsciousness, the system will derive an alarm from this. Using thefuzzy logic methods and the neuronal network, it is no longer necessaryto predict and program in advance all possible cases and combinations,according to the invention it is sufficient to enter a simple rule “onabnormal behaviour, trigger an alarm after a time delay”. Evidently forspecial cases, for example getting up to read or watch TV, the alarm isbridged automatically by movement sensors or manually by pushing abutton.

EXAMPLE 3

In the installation of a home automation system, the starting model foruser behaviour specifies that the family begin the day at 06.00 with ashower and then take breakfast in the kitchen between 06.30 and 07.00.The requirement for this model is that the bathroom is heatedsufficiently early depending on the structural features for a requiredroom temperature of for example 22° C. to be achieved at 06.00. From06.30 the bathroom heating is switched off again. A similar procedureapplies to the kitchen heating.

After some time, a timetable change applies to one of the children suchthat he uses the bathroom for the first time at 07.30, but does not usethe kitchen at all. This behaviour deviating from the original model isrecognised by the implemented algorithms of the software as systematicand the model is adapted accordingly. The bathroom heating is maintainedat 22° C. until 08.00. The kitchen heating remains unchanged.

If a deviation from the usual habits occurs only sporadically, theautomation system, via the stored probability functions (probabilityalgorithms) selects an extension of the bathroom heating according tothe probability of usage such that when the event occurs the quickestpossible adaptation of room temperature is achieved and the total energyconsumption is kept as low as possible as an extra criterion. Inaddition the automation system, because of the neuronal networkstructure of presence and activity sensors, will find that this caseoccurs when the person concerned has not been active accordingly in hisbedroom by 06.25 at the latest.

Also additional optimisation can be carried out via external predictiveinformation from the meteorological service. If for example a badweather front is approaching, this can lead overnight to a temperaturedrop which requires the heating phase for the bathroom to begin earlier.Thanks to the prediction, the automation system according to theinvention has this information before the event occurs and can triggerthe heating command earlier than would be the case for example with anexternal temperature sensor.

What is claimed is:
 1. Process which comprises: providing programmedcontrol of a home and building automation system, for saving energy andimproving comfort, said process performed by means of software andpresence and activity monitoring sensors; said software including firstadaptive algorithms controlled by signals from the presence and activitymonitoring sensors, for continuously detecting and storing systematicand stochastic behavior of at least one person in a room and overseveral rooms, and including second modifiable deterministic algorithmsfor adapting and triggering actuators of installations; said algorithmsbeing combined with external parameters into a third algorithm tooptimize the automation system as a whole and to adjust the first andsecond algorithms by means of feedback; wherein on installation of theautomation system a first model of user behavior of at least one personis entered as starting software in at least one neural network computer.2. Process according to claim 1, wherein said deterministic algorithmsadapt and trigger actuators of groups of installations.
 3. Processaccording to claim 1, wherein on deviation from said systematic userbehavior alarms are triggered.
 4. Process according to claim 3, whereinsaid alarms are triggered after an adjustable time interval.
 5. Processaccording to claim 4, wherein said adjustable time interval is from 5 to15 minutes.
 6. Process according to claim 3, wherein the softwarecontrol and alarm triggering takes place by means of fuzzy logic andneural networks.
 7. Process according to claim 3, wherein the automationsystem automatically switches to an alarm mode in response to one oftotal absence of persons and lack of activity.
 8. Process according toclaim 1, wherein the automation system receives external control signalsvia a connecting network to databases or external information sourcesand the internet and analyzes these prior to triggering actuators. 9.Process according to claim 1, wherein said external parameters includeat least one of external temperature, weather forecasts and safetymodes.
 10. Process according to claim 1, wherein sensitivity of saidautomation system including movement sensors is modified automaticallyby reducing the response threshold to suit a user.
 11. Home and buildingautomation system for performing a process according to claim 1, whichcomprises a system adapted to trigger actuators of installations andincluding at least one sensor per room for monitoring presence andactivity of at least one person, said system further including a networkof sensors covering several rooms with presence and activity controlledcontrol loops, and computers for optimizing by means of software controlof the automation system as a function of the presence of persons andsaid external parameters, said software including said first adaptivealgorithms and said second modifiable deterministic algorithms. 12.Automation system according to claim 11, where system is adapted totrigger actuators of groups of installations.
 13. Automation systemaccording to claim 11, wherein at least one of smoke sensors,thermostats and light detectors are integrated as input signalgenerators.
 14. Automation system according to claim 13, wherein thecomputers comprise at least one neural network computer including astandard databus.
 15. Automation system according to claim 13, wherein abus interface is connected to a PID regulator and, to transferelectrical signals as positive nominal values, to at least one summingpoint which is integrated with a PID regulator and an actuator in apresence and activity controlled control loop.